We are an international family, each born in a different country, living and working in an international environment.

09/22/2012

Jiming Buddhist Temple, Nanjing, China

On Sunday I decided to take the boys out of the house so their Dad could get some work done. We walked down to the local metro and took it as far as Gulou. Then we did the 20 minute walk from there to Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺). The location is amazing right next to the lake and looking on to Purple Mountain, its hard to believe you are in central Nanjing.

A view up to the Temple as you approach it from the city.

The first hall.

This current Temple was built during the Ming dynasty in the 1300's but the original came into existence in the 500's. This is a working temple and the Buddhist monks have a school here. When we arrived I went to the ticket booth and purchased a ticket. It cost 7RMB about 70p. I then struggled up what felt about 1000 steps to the entrance area. Here I handed in my ticked received 3 incense sticks and finally convinced the guys there to mind my pushchair as there was no way I was going to be able to do all those steps with it. I was really regretting not putting the youngest in his backpack.

The stonework was amazing.

We had a lovely time exploring the temple halls. Listening and watching the monks chant, seeing them get distracted by two wee blond heads nosing in at them, burning our incense sticks, trying to get a coin in a very small hole at the top of a large monument. Watching my youngest treat everything as a drum to hit with two incense sticks and enjoy the tranquility and magnificent views.

The sun was shinning and it was a fantastic way to spend our afternoon.

A view over the city from the top of the temple.

My son playing drums on the donation box.

What a roof!

The view from the other side over to Purple Mountain.

Everyone trying to get their coins in the holes at the top. My youngest thought it was much more fun to try and beat the owner of the coins to their coins each time they missed and they missed a lot.

True, I never seem to be able to go though, usually by the time I get the boys Jo that far and we have walked around the last thing anyone would want me to do is take them into a restaurant. Will have to put it on the list for this year.